As stated on the NewsHour Extra website:

"Want to build your students' analytical thinking and critical analysis skills? Are you searching for ways to make your subject matter more relevant and engaging? NewsHour Extra is here to help!

"Each NewsHour Extra story comes with a short lesson plan that includes initiating questions, a reading comprehension printout and extension activities.

Using the standards and resources of PBS’s NewsHour with Jim Lehrer, NewsHour Extra provides students and teachers with quality educational resources based on current issues and events.

Students will find features that make connections between the news and the world around them. They can also speak out on important issues and share their experiences with other young journalists."

Teachers can receive a weekly email with details on the newest stories and lesson plans by subscribing to NewsHour Extra's Teachers mailing list: http://www.pbs.org/newshour/extra/teachers/

NewsHour Extra's Teaching Resources offer a plethora of lesson plans in arts, english, science, math, economics, history, government, health, and media studies.

Examples of lesson plans include:

Checks & Balances in Supreme Court Nominations
Students examine the process and politics behind nominations for the Supreme Court.

Democracy in the Middle East
Students examine recent events showcasing citizens in the Middle East practicing democracy, analyze the extent of democracy in these areas, and analyze diverse views of the prospects for democracy in the region.

How Secure is Social Security?
Students study the Social Security program, its history and the problems facing it, then examine the effectiveness of possible solutions including President Bush's proposal for "personal accounts."

Medical Marijuana: Legitimate Use or Legalized Abuse?
Students use cooperative learning activities to discuss opinions about medical marijuana use and see both sides of the issue.

On the Student Resources page, students will find explanatory stories that help them understand current events issues, "Speakout" forums for students to debate current issues, and more.

NewsHour Extra's lesson plans bring cutting edge current events issues into the classroom... user-friendly for teachers and engaging for students.
-CMS Review